John Oliver on child labor in the chocolate industry: ‘It is worse than you may realize’

Abuses in the Chocolate Industry: A Report on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Introduction

On the eve of Halloween week, John Oliver focused his main segment of Last Week Tonight on the abuses of the chocolate industry, which rakes in about $140bn a year.

The Plight of Cocoa Farmers

Oliver acknowledged that a segment on chocolate sounds like it could be pleasant, but highlighted the unfortunate reality that cocoa farmers, who are responsible for growing the key ingredient, do not share in the wealth. Most cocoa farmers, particularly in Ivory Coast and Ghana, live below the World Bank’s extreme poverty line. This disparity is alarming considering the immense profits generated by the chocolate industry.

The Dominance of Cocoa Trading Companies

Oliver delved into the structure of the cocoa industry, revealing that a small group of cocoa trading companies, including Cargill, Barry Callebaut, and OFI, control the majority of cocoa production. These companies sell to a handful of chocolate companies such as Mars, Hershey, Mondelēz, Ferrero, and Nestlé. The power dynamics heavily favor the buyers, resulting in only 6% of a chocolate bar’s value returning to the farmers.

Environmental Damage and Child Labor

The high costs associated with cocoa farming lead to illegal practices, environmental degradation, and a reliance on child labor. Oliver highlighted the long-standing issue of child labor in the chocolate industry and criticized companies for their lack of action. Despite internal initiatives to support fair trade, the reality does not align with the rhetoric.

The Need for Legislation

Oliver emphasized the need for tough legislation to address the problem of child labor in the chocolate industry. He argued that relying on voluntary measures and promises from companies is not enough. Companies must be forced to take action through legislation that holds them accountable.

Conclusion

The abuses in the chocolate industry, particularly the exploitation of cocoa farmers and the prevalence of child labor, are significant challenges that need to be addressed. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), requires collective action from governments, companies, and consumers to ensure fair and sustainable practices in the chocolate supply chain.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article addresses issues related to poverty, hunger, education, decent work, responsible consumption, and justice.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• SDG 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
• SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
• SDG 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
• SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of population below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status, and geographical location.
• Indicator 2.1.1: Prevalence of undernourishment.
• Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
• Indicator 8.8.1: Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by sex and migrant status.
• Indicator 12.2.2: Domestic material consumption per capita, by type of material.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: theguardian.com

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